When you have sufficient time management skills, you’ll find freedom from pressures brought by deadlines and stress related to work. You’ll be more productive, and have more time to relax, which helps further reduce pressure.
Practical time management skills may require you to try several different ways before you discover just the right setup in your tasks. Each individual has different time management styles, and you have to find out what performs best for you.
Tips to Enhance Your Time Management Skills
Make a list of the things you need to accomplish each day.
Lists can be beneficial in time management. One of the considerations is to make sure your list is obtainable. No one wants a 30 item to-do list and has to look at the 20 things that weren’t accomplished. Focus on the things that you want to get done by the end of every week.
Set work deadlines.
Again, there is no point in establishing work deadlines if you make professional choices yet always end up pushing them back. Set a due date and try your best to adhere to it. Set that due date ahead – maybe a few days before the process has to be done. This gives room for the uncontrollable factors that may get in the way, without falling short from making sure everything is done.
Quit multitasking.
People who like multitasking often seem to think they get more things done, but it’s not always the most effective way. We have to admit that we tend to be more productive and perform better when we are indeed able to concentrate on doing one thing at a time.
Assign tasks.
Delegating tasks to co-workers is not a sign of weakness, but rather it is an indication of intelligence. The key here is to discover qualified, efficient individuals and discuss some of the obligations. It will allow you to experience less pressure and be more productive.
Use your free time in the day.
It’s always great to find time to relax. However, if you find yourself in situations wherein you can’t do anything but sit or wait – like when waiting for a doctor’s appointment – use this time to plan and prepare for your other tasks. This helps you fully enjoy your weekend and spend it with family and friends without having to worry about work. If you have possibilities like these, make the best of them, but also remember to use them for pleasure as needed.
Treat yourself.
When you achieve something, take the time to celebrate it! How you appreciate is up to you. My suggestion is to keep whatever you choose to do healthy and make sure it is something you genuinely enjoy. Have enough discipline to set limitations as well because doing it in excess may cause you to lag and throw you off your routine.
What are your best practices in time management? How do you handle your tasks? Share your thoughts with me via the comments below.